April 29, 2020: “Almac Discovery announced a research collaboration with MSD focusing on the generation of novel small molecule inhibitors against specified Deubiquitinase (DUB) targets for the treatment of a range of neurodegenerative and other diseases.
Almac Discovery possesses a demonstrated track-record and a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of DUBs and utilises its unique, purpose-built, fully comprehensive assay and drug finding platform -Ubi-Plex® – to identify and develop novel inhibitors against a number of therapeutically relevant DUBs.
Whilst this collaboration will focus on neurodegenerative diseases, the Ubi-Plex platform also offers the opportunity to generate novel, innovative candidate drugs targeting unmet need in a range of therapeutic areas including oncology, viral, inflammatory and metabolic disorders.
Dr Stephen Barr, Managing Director & President, Almac Discovery commented: “We are delighted to have signed our latest research collaboration agreement with such an experienced and renowned leader in research.
Both MSD and Almac are aligned in our missions to develop treatments for illnesses that represent areas of significant unmet medical need.”
Almac Discovery and MSD will initially collaborate in a two-year joint research programme with the objective to identify and progress novel, potent and selective small molecule inhibitors.
MSD will be responsible for conducting lead optimisation, preclinical and clinical development and commercialisation.
“Establishing external collaborations is an integral part of our strategy to drive medical advances against some of the most challenging diseases facing ageing populations,” said Dr Fiona Marshall, Vice President, Head of Neuroscience Discovery and Head of Discovery Science at MSD UK.
“We look forward to working with scientists at Almac to evaluate the potential of novel small molecule deubiquitinase inhibitors.”
Prof. Tim Harrison, Vice President Drug Discovery, added “The Almac Discovery team are looking forward to working with MSD to prosecute this exciting target class, with a view to developing much needed new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.”
Under the terms of the agreement Almac Discovery will receive an upfront licence fee and research funding from MSD, the financial details of which are not disclosed.
Almac Discovery is also eligible for payments based on the achievement of predetermined research, development and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties on potential commercial sales of products resulting from the collaboration.”
